Demarcated height adjustable load carrier rack

ABSTRACT

A height adjustable load carrier rack for a vehicle including a base member and an upright leg is disclosed. The base member can be mountable on a vehicle. The upright leg can be configured to be variously coupled to the base member at discrete locations along a length of the upright leg. Additionally, the upright leg can have a demarcated portion including a plurality of position labels, each label can signify individual ones of a plurality of discrete position settings of the upright leg relative to the base member. The base member can be configured to alternately engage with each of the plurality of the discrete locations along the length of the upright leg for height setting the load carrier rack in dependence upon user-selection among the position labels of the demarcated portion of the upright leg.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/678,090, filed Jul. 31, 2012, the contents of which are entirelyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The subject matter herein generally relates to a load carrier rack for avehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle racks can be load bearing frame-like structures installable onthe bed of pick-up trucks for carrying various articles thereon.Generally racks have a base portion for directly attaching to the bedrails of a pick-up truck. Racks typically, also have an upper portion,for example cross bars which extend above and across the bed of thetruck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present technology will now be described, by wayof example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a load carrier rack depicted on a pick-uptruck;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a load carrier rack;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of a basemember for a load carrier rack;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exploded perspective view of a basemember for a load carrier rack;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of a portion of thebase member for a load carrier rack;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of a portion of thebase member for a load carrier rack;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of a portion of thebase member for a load carrier rack;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a perspective view of an upright member;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a partial view of a load carrier rack inaccordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure,illustrating a demarcated portion of an upright leg of the load carrierrack;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an upright leg of a load carrier rack inaccordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a side perspective view of an upright legof a load carrier rack having a demarcated portion in accordance with anexample implementation of the present disclosure, illustrating thereleasable coupling of the upright leg and the demarcated portion;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a side perspective view a demarcatedportion of an upright leg in accordance with an example implementationof the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a perspective view of the demarcatedportion including the upright engagement fastener in accordance with anexample implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a front view of a demarcated portion of anupright leg in accordance with an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a perspective view of the demarcatedportion including the upright engagement fastener in accordance with anexample implementation of the present disclosure, illustrating theposition labels of the demarcated portion;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a close-up perspective view of thedemarcated portion illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a removable blocking device decoupled froma base member of a load carrier rack in accordance with an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a bottom perspective view of the removableblocking device illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a perspective view of illustrates aremovable blocking device for base member of a load carrier rack inaccordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a perspective view of a removable blockingdevice assembled to a base member of a load carrier rack in accordancewith an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a removableblocking device assembled to a base member of a load carrier rack inaccordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a locking cover, in accordance with anexample implementation of the present disclosure, in an uninstalled andunlocked position where the locking cover is detached from a clampdevice clamped to a vehicle rail;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of the locking cover illustrated in FIG. 22in an installed and locked position;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a perspective view of the locking covercoupled to a clamp device in accordance with an example implementationof the present disclosure, wherein the locking cover is in the installedand locked position;

FIG. 25 is an illustration of a rear view of the locking coverillustrated in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a perspective of an example adapter for alocking cover in accordance with an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 27 is an illustration of a bottom view of the example adapterillustrated in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of an example adapter coupled to anexample clamp device in accordance with an example implementation of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 29 is an illustration of a bottom view of an example adaptercoupled to an example clamp device in accordance with an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure, where the operator-engageableportion of the clamp device has been removed;

FIG. 30 is an illustration of a top perspective view of the exampleadapter coupled to the example clamp device illustrated in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an illustration of a perspective view of an example lockingcover coupled with an example adapter in accordance with an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 32 is an illustration of a bottom perspective view of an exampleclamp device coupled to an example adapter illustrating the orientationand engagement of a lock 2210 of a locking cover 2202, with the lockingcover removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, referencenumerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicatecorresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe implementations described herein. However, the implementationsdescribed herein can be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, methods, procedures and components have not beendescribed in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant featurebeing described. Also, the description is not to be considered aslimiting the scope of the implementations described herein.

The present disclosure concerns various components that can beimplemented in association with a load carrier rack. While theillustrated examples are provided in relation to a load carrier rack,certain components can be implemented with other devices.

At least one example embodiment of a load carrier rack disclosed hereinincludes a base member mountable on a portion of the vehicle; an uprightleg extending from the base member, the upright leg being slidablyreceived by the base member; an interference mechanism includinginterference surface, the interference mechanism configured to have atleast an actuated configuration and a released configuration, wherein:in the actuated configuration, the interference surface is engaged withthe upright leg to resist movement of the upright leg relative the base;and in the release configuration, the interference surface is disengagedfrom the upright leg to permit movement of the upright leg relative saidbase.

In other example implementations, the interference surface is anelongate projection. Further, the upright leg can be elongate and have aset of grooves along a portion of its length. In other exampleimplementations, in the actuated configuration, the elongate projectionengages one of the set of grooves thereby mechanically locking theupright leg. In other embodiments, the interference mechanism includes arotatable handle, which when rotated moves the interference surfacebetween engagement with the upright leg in the actuated configurationand disengagement from the upright leg in the release configuration.Additionally, the elongate projection can extend from the rotatablehandle.

In other example implementations, the interference mechanism furtherincludes a compression bolt, which can extend to within the upright leg,and whereupon actuation of the rotatable handle the elongate projectionis caused to move into engagement with the upright leg, the compressionbolt providing a simultaneous counterforce to compress a portion of theupright leg against the interference surface. In further exampleimplementations, the compression bolt can extend from the underside ofthe rotatable handle, and has a flanged end piece extending within theupright leg. In additional example implementations, the rotatable handlecan include a threaded aperture, and wherein the compression bolt isinsertable within the threaded aperture, and whereupon actuation of therotatable handle, the compression bolt is drawn within the threadedaperture and the compression bolt flanged end piece is simultaneouslycompressed against an internal surface of the upright leg providing acounterforce compressing the upright leg against the interferencesurface.

In at least one implementation of the height adjustable load carrier, aplurality of position labels signifying individual ones of a pluralityof discrete position settings can be included on a demarcated portion ofthe upright leg. The upright leg can be configured to be variouslycoupled to the base member at discrete locations along a length of theupright leg. The base member can be configured to alternately engagewith each of the plurality of the discrete locations along the length ofthe upright leg for height-setting the load carrier rack in dependenceupon user-selection among the position labels of the demarcated portionof the upright leg.

In at least one implementation, a plurality of base members, eachmountable on a vehicle can be implemented in conjunction with aplurality of upright legs configured to be variously coupled, one eachto a respective one of the plurality of base members, at discretelocations along a length of the respective upright leg. The plurality ofbase members can number four and the plurality of upright legs cannumber four.

Positions of a leg relative to its base can be label, and whichcorrespond to the several discrete locations on the leg where engagementcan be made. In one implementation, each position label is alphabetic.In another implementation, each position label is numeric. In yetanother implementation, each position label is alphanumeric.

In at least one implementation, each of the upright legs has a top end.The demarcated portion of each upright leg is similarly positioned withrespect to the top end of the respective upright leg; and each top endof the upright legs is configured to engage with an upper support. Theplurality of discrete locations along the length of the upright leg withwhich the base member alternately engages can be formed by a series ofalternating troughs and ridges. The series of alternating troughs andridges that form the plurality of discrete locations along the length ofthe upright leg can be formed in a strip of material attached to theupright leg. In yet another implementation, the series of alternatingtroughs and ridges that form the plurality of discrete locations alongthe length of the upright leg can be formed in a strip of materialreleasably coupled to the upright leg. In still another implementation,the series of alternating troughs and ridges that form the plurality ofdiscrete locations along the length of the upright leg can be formed ina strip of material coupled to the upright leg.

The plurality of position labels can be demarcated on the strip ofmaterial coupled to the upright leg on which the series of alternatingtroughs and ridges are formed. In another implementation, the pluralityof position labels are not demarcated on the strip of material coupledto the upright leg and are instead located on another portion of theupright leg. In at least one implementation, the plurality of demarcatedposition labels are printed on the strip of material coupled to theupright leg on which the series of alternating troughs and ridges areformed. In yet another implementation, the plurality of demarcatedposition labels are embossed upon the strip of material coupled to theupright leg on which the series of alternating troughs and ridges areformed. In still another implementation, the plurality of demarcatedposition labels are debossed into the strip of material coupled to theupright leg on which the series of alternating troughs and ridges areformed.

In one implementation, the plurality of demarcated position labels canbe arranged in a consecutive series spaced apart at the same distance asthe spacing between a consecutive series of troughs of the series ofalternating troughs and ridges. Each of the plurality of demarcatedposition labels can be positioned parallel to respective ones of thetroughs of the series of alternating troughs and ridges relative to alongitudinal axis of the strip of material comprising the labels andtroughs. In another implementation, each of the plurality of demarcatedposition labels can be longitudinally offset from any one of the troughsof the series of alternating troughs and ridges relative to alongitudinal axis of the strip of material comprising the labels andtroughs. In one implementation, each of the upright legs can bepredominantly constructed from metal. The strip of material comprisingthe labels and troughs is predominantly constructed from plastic.

A blocking device for preventing unauthorized or unwanted disengagementor removal of a upright leg of a load carrier, such as a rack, mountedto a vehicle via a base member is disclosed. The blocking device can beremovably attached to a base member, which can in turn be removablyattached to a portion of a vehicle, such as the rail of a pickup truck.If one or more of the legs of a load carrier attached to the vehicle bymeans of base member has a blocking device, the risk that the loadcarrier will be improperly removed from the vehicle can be reduced. Thebase member can be configured with a receiving passage runningthere-through. The passage can wholly or partially surround a leg of thecarrier and enable the upright leg to reciprocate up and down. Theremovable blocking device, however, can limit upward reciprocation toprevent unauthorized removal. Thus a base member attached to a vehiclecan allow the legs of a load carrier to be adjusted up and down, whilethe blocking device is used to prevent an unauthorized user from movinga leg all the way up through the base member.

The blocking device can be sized and configured such that, at the pointof maximum desired upward reciprocation, the removable blocking devicewill abut or press against the base member near a lower opening of thereceiving passage. A blocking device can include an interference portionor section which can be releasably or removably coupled or joined to thebottom or lower end of a leg of a load carrier. An interference portionor section can be removably or releasably couplable or attachable to theend of a leg of a load carrier. The interference portion can beconfigured or sized to have a dimension that is greater or larger than acorresponding dimension of the bottom or lower opening of the receivingpassage through the base member. The interference portion can include anabutment surface configured to wholly or partially engage the basemember at the lower opening at the point of maximum appropriate verticalor upward reciprocation. Thus, in order to move a carrier leg all theway through the receiving passage in the base member, and therebydisengage the leg from a vehicle, a user must first remove the blockingdevice from the leg. Unauthorized removal can be achieved by means of alock at least partially housed within, and fixedly attached to, theblocking device. The lock can be configured with a locked configurationin which the removable blocking device is locked to the upright leg, andan unlocked configuration in which the removable blocking device isreleased, or becomes removable from, the upright leg. The lock can betranslational or switchable between the locked configuration and theunlocked configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the blocking device can include an insertportion which is configured to be received by an opening in the uprightleg and thereby releasably secured to the leg. The interference portioncan in turn be coupled to a lower end of the insert portion, and thelock for securing the blocking device to the base can be at leastpartially contained within the insert portion. In at least oneembodiment, the insert portion can be co-molded with the interferenceportion.

In at least one embodiment of the removable blocking device the insertportion can include a bottom portion which adjoins the interferenceportion and which is wider than a top portion of the blocking device.The top portion can comprise two side walls each wall having one or moreopenings. The top portion can comprise two side walls through which apair of openings is formed.

In at least one embodiment of the removable blocking device, each of theof openings can be sized to permit or enable a portion of the lock toextend there-through and engage corresponding lock receiving portions onthe upright leg.

In at least one embodiment, the interference portion can contain orinclude a long axis and a short axis. The axes can correspond to thelong dimension and short dimension of the interference portion,respectively. A length of the interference portion in the direction ofthe long axis can greater in size than a corresponding length of thelower opening to the receiving passage, thereby preventing unauthorizedremoval of a leg. The interference portion can be so configured suchthat a width of the interference portion in the direction of the shortaxis is greater than a corresponding width of the lower opening to thereceiving passage, thereby preventing unauthorized removal.

In at least one embodiment, the abutment surface of the interferenceportion described above can be comprised by or comprised on a perimeterabout the interference portion.

In at least embodiment within the disclosure, a lockable retainingsystem for an upright leg which extends from a base a base is disclosed.The lockable retaining system can comprise an upright leg and aremovable blocking device for preventing disengagement of an upright legfrom a base member. A removable blocking device can include aninterference portion which is releasably coupled to a lower distal endof the upright leg. The interference portion can have a dimension thatis greater than a corresponding dimension of the lower opening to thereceiving passage through the base member. The interference portion canalso include an abutment surface which is configured to blockinglyengage the base member at or near the lower opening of the receivingpassage in the base member. The interference portion can incorporate alock which is contained at least partially within the removable blockingdevice, with the lock being transitional between a locked configurationin which the removable blocking device is locked to the upright leg andan unlocked configuration in which the removable blocking device isreleased or unlocked from the upright leg.

In at least one embodiment of a lockable retaining system, a removableblocking device can comprise an insert portion which is received in anopening in the upright leg and releasably secured within the leg. Theinterference portion coupled to a lower distal end of the insert portionand the lock can be contained at least partially within the insertportion. A lockable retaining system can further comprise a lockretention opening formed in one end of the upright leg.

In at least one embodiment, the lockable retaining system can compriseone or more lock retention tabs formed in or on at least two sides ofthe lock retention opening, wherein the lock retention tabs preventremoval of the lock in the locked configuration.

In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a lockable supportarrangement for a load carrier rack is disclosed. The lockable supportarrangement can comprise a base member, an upright leg inserted in areceiving passage through the base member, and a clamp device couplingthe base member to a carrying vehicle. In at least one embodiment, alockable support arrangement can include a removable blocking device forpreventing disengagement of the upright leg from the base member. Theremovable blocking device can include an interference portion releasablycoupled to a lower distal end of the upright leg, the interferenceportion having a dimension that is greater than a correspondingdimension of a lower opening to the receiving passage through the basemember. The interference portion can have an abutment surface or regionwhich engages the base member proximate the lower opening to thereceiving passage to block unauthorized removal of the upright leg. Theblocking device can further include a lock contained at least partiallywithin the removable blocking device. The lock can exist in a lockedconfiguration or position, in which the removable blocking device islocked to the upright leg.

In at least one embodiment within the disclosure, the lock can have alocking cover installed on a clamp device. The locking cover can includea cover body having perimeter walls defining a receiving cavity thereinand within which an operator-engageable portion of the clamp device islocated in an installed and locked position of the cover body shroudingthe clamp device. The lock cover can itself include a second lock,coupled to the cover body and having an engagement portion transitionalbetween locked and unlocked configurations to the clamp device. In atleast one embodiment, when both the first and second locks are in lockedconfigurations, the upright leg is locked to the base member by thefirst lock and the base member is locked by the second lock to thecarrying vehicle by the clamp device shrouded by the locking cover.

In at least one embodiment within the disclosure, a removable blockingdevice can include or comprise an insert portion which can be receivedin an opening in the upright leg and releasably secured within theopening. The interference portion can be coupled to a lower or bottomend of the insert portion. In at least one embodiment, the lock can beat least partially contained within the insert portion.

In at least one embodiment, the lockable support arrangement loadcarrier rack can further comprise or include a lock retention openingwhich is formed in one end of the upright leg. A lockable supportarrangement can also incorporate or include lock retention tabs whichare formed on at least two sides of the lock retention opening, the lockretention tabs configured or place to prevent removal of the lock whenin the locked configuration.

Load carrier rack systems can include a locking cover that shrouds anoperator-engageable portion of a clamp device of the load carrier racksystem. For example, load carrier rack systems can include a clampdevice that couples the load carrier rack system to a vehicle. Forexample, the clamp device can be a C-clamp, a G-clamp, a miter clamp, abench clamp, a vise, a hand screw, a setscrew, or any other device ormechanism that allows one object to clamp, grip, or otherwise couple toanother object. The clamp device can have an operator-engageable portionfor securing and releasing the clamp device to and from a surface, suchas a vehicle. For example, the operator-engageable portion can be abolt, a screw, a handle, a turnkey, a knob, a push-pull toggle, or anyother portion that controls the securing and releasing the clamp deviceto and from the surface. In conventional clamp devices, theoperator-engageable portion is typically exposed. Therefore, theoperator-engageable portion can be accidentally moved or engaged torelease or loosen the clamp from the vehicle. That is, since theoperator-engageable portion of conventional clamp devices are typicallyexposed, the clamp device can be tampered with to release or loosen theclamp device from the vehicle. Also, since the operator-engageableportion of conventional clamp devices are typically exposed, otherobjects can interfere with the operator-engageable portion to release orloosen the clamp device from the vehicle. For example, if the vehicletravels over a bump or a hole in the road, the operator-engageableportion of the clamp device can bump or come in contact with a bed railof the vehicle or an object in the vehicle that moves the clamp device,thereby loosening the clamp device from the vehicle. To prevent suchtampering, unintentional interference, or undesired access to the clampdevice, the load carrier rack system can include a locking coveraccording to the present disclosure.

The locking cover can be mounted in an installed and locked position onthe clamp device (for example, each C-clamp device). The locking covercan shroud the operator-engageable portion of the clamp device fromunauthorized access in the installed and locked position. Examplelocking covers can include a cover body having perimeter walls. Theperimeter walls can define a receiving cavity. When the locking cover ismounted on the clamp device, the operator-engageable portion can bereceived within or located within the receiving cavity. The lockingcover can also include a lock coupled to the cover body. The lock canhave an engagement portion transitional between locked and unlockedconfigurations. In at least one embodiment, the cover body can include aclamp device engagement portion configured to engage a complimentarilyconfigured cover engagement receiving portion of the claim device in theinstalled and locked position. In another example, the locking cover caninclude an adapter installable upon the clamp device. The adapter can beconfigured to receive the cover body in the installed and lockedposition, thereby coupling the locking cover to the clamp.

A load carrier rack 1 for a vehicle is illustrated in FIG. 1. In theillustrated example, the vehicle is a pick-up truck. In otherembodiments, the load carrier rack 1 can be implemented on othervehicles. A typical pick-up truck has a forward cab 2, and a bed 3, withbed rails 4. The load carrier rack 1 can be installed on the back of thepick-up truck. In at least one implementation, the load carrier rack 1can be installed on the bed rail 4. In other implementations, where thevehicle does not have a bed 3 or a bed rail 4, the load carrier rack canbe coupled to another portion of the vehicle. In one example, the loadcarrier rack 1 can be coupled to the vehicle chassis either directly orindirectly.

The load carrier rack 1 is depicted by itself in FIG. 2 and in theembodiment shown has base members 5, upper supports 6 and cross bars 7.The base members 5 are elongate and have a flat planar surface such thatthey can be mounted to rest horizontally on the bed rails of the truckbed. In other examples where the base member 5 is configured to bemounted to another portion of the vehicle, the base member 5 can haveanother shape that is configured to be mounted to the respective memberof the vehicle. In yet other examples, where an additional component isimplemented, the base member 5 can be configured to have a shape that isdesigned for coupling to the other component.

An upright leg 8 extends from a base member 5. The upright leg 8 isfurther coupled to the upper support 6. In other examples, there are aplurality of upright legs 8 and a plurality of base members 5. In theillustrated example, there are four upright legs 8, four base members 5,and four upper supports 6. In another example, there can be two uprightlegs 8, two base members 5, and two upper supports 6. In at least oneexample, the upper supports 6 can be made up of a bracket 9, which canalso be referred to as a shoulder support. The bracket 9 can be coupledto the top of the upright leg 8. Additionally, a cross bar 7 can becoupled to the bracket 9.

Referring to FIG. 3, a close up view of a base member 5 is illustrated.As shown, the base member 5 can be generally elongate and substantiallyplanar, so as to rest flatly and horizontally along the pickup truck bedrail when mounted thereon. The base member 5 has a receiving passage 20with a receiving opening 21 extending through the receiving passage 20such that the top and bottom of the receiving passage 20 is open. Thereceiving passage 20 receives the upright leg 8 (not shown in FIG. 3)which is configured to extend into and through the opening 21. Theupright leg 8 can be slidably received in the receiving passage 20 andmoveable up and down. In at least one example, the upright leg 8 canassume a plurality of positions relative to the receiving passage 20. Inat least one example, the plurality of positions can include a raisedand a lowered configuration. In other examples, the number of theplurality of positions can be as many as fifty positions. In yet anotherexample, the number of the plurality of positions can be as many asforty positions. In still another example, the number of the pluralityof positions can be as many as thirty positions. Thus in at least oneexample, the upright legs can be raised or lowered to multiple positionsin a continuous fashion to reach the desired height. Raising andlowering the upright legs 8 correspondingly also raises and lowers theupper supports 6 and cross bars 7 attached to the upper supports 6. Inthis way the height of the cross bars 8 can be adjusted. For example, ifrequired, the cross bars 7 can be raised to be above the cab of thetruck, the same height as the cab of the truck, or lower than the cab ofthe truck. While it can be desirable to have the cross bars 7 above thecab to prevent damage to the cab, it can also be desirable in at leastsome examples to lower the cross bars 7 so that the center of gravity ofthe load is lowered. In yet another example, when the cross bars arelower, the load can contribute less aerodynamic drag. Thus, a variety ofoptions can be available to a user to vary the height of the cross bars7 for loading articles thereon.

Additionally, a generally planar extension 22 can be coupled to thereceiving passage 20. The size and shape of the planar extension 22 canbe such that it will fit securely on the bed rail of a pickup truck whenthe base member 5 is mounted thereon. Alternatively, as indicated above,the planar extension 22 can take other forms to fit with the desiredmating surface such as another component when the base member 5 is notcoupled to the bed rail.

In one example, the planar extension 22 is generally flat on itsundersurface for the reason that it will be mounted on top of the bedrail of a truck bed, which are also generally substantially flat orplanar as well. The planar extension 22 can be elongate in shape to restalong a predetermined length of the bed rail. By resting along thepredetermined length of the bed rail the weight of the load carrierstructure, as well as any load thereon, can be better distributed andadditionally provides a more solid base and foundation for maintainingthe structure on the truck bed rail. The predetermined length can bebased upon the intended load that the load carrier 1 is designed tocarry.

The planar extension 22 can have an L-shaped shoulder 23 with a downwardprojecting edge 24. With the edge 15 and shoulder 10 fixed along thelength of the planar extension 22, when placing the mount on the truckbed rail, the base member 5 can be pushed to abut the edge 24 againstthe side surface of the bed rail extending from the floor of the truckbed thereby providing a more secure contact.

The planar extension 22 additionally can have an elongate recess 25running along at least a portion of its length. In other examples, theelongate recess 25 can run along the entire length of the planarextension 22. The elongate recess 25 can be configured to receive aportion of a clamp, as an aid to securement of the clamp thereon.Specifically, the elongate recess 25 can position the clamp in a desiredlocation relative to the planar extension 22, thereby preventing thelateral movement of the planar extension 22 relative to the clamplocation. Additionally, ridges 26 can be provided on the planarextension 22. The ridges 26 can provide a rough surface for a user tostep on when mounted on the truck bed rail to reduce the chance ofslipping.

In one example, the base member 5 can include an interference mechanism.This can also be referred to as an interference arrangement ormechanism. The interference mechanism refers to and includes componentswhich are employed for stopping the motion of the upright legs in thereceiving passage 20 at selected locations or positions. One embodimentof an interference mechanism is illustrated in FIGS. 3-7.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the base member 5 can include a receivingpassage 20. The receiving passage 20 can have a cap or lip attachment 27with a cap extension 28 that enables the cap attachment 27 to snap-fitthereon and extend around the upper edge of the receiving passage 20.The cap attachment 27 can be sized and shaped according to theassociated upright leg 8 thus providing a further secure and snug fitwhen the upright leg 8 is within the receiving passage 20. A lowerundercap or underlip 29 is also shown which has undercap extensions 30which further allow snap-fit onto and around the lower edge of theopening 21.

An exploded view of the biasing handle 31 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-4.The exploded view illustrates components making up the biasing handle31. In other examples, additional components can make up the biasinghandle 31. In other examples, the biasing handle 31 can be refined tolimit the number of components and fewer components can be provided thanwhat has been illustrated. In FIG. 3, a biasing handle 31 isillustrated; the biasing handle 31 can be a circular rotatable handle,as illustrated. The biasing handle 31 can be any handle which is capableof providing a biasing action when actuated. Because the biasing handle31 is circular and rotatable in the illustrated embodiment, actuationand release of the biasing handle 31 is carried out by means of turning,or rotating the handle. The biasing handle can have a plurality ofridges 32 positioned around the circumference of the handle to aid ingripping and rotation of the handle. The biasing handle 31 can have atop cover 33 and downward edges 34 extending toward the base member 5,which as shown in the perspective of FIG. 4, creates a cavity 35 in theunderside 36 of the biasing handle 31. In other examples, the biasinghandle 31 can have other forms to allow for a biasing action such as alever. In other embodiments, the biasing handle 31 can include both acircular rotatable handle and a lever.

Additionally, the base member 5 can include an internal plate 40, asillustrated in FIG. 3. The internal plate 40 can fit into the underside36 of the biasing handle 31. Three threaded fasteners 41 can be employedthrough corresponding apertures 42 and biasing elements 43 (conicalshaped coiled springs in the depicted embodiment). The fasteners 41 canbe inserted into the receiving apertures 42 and tightened therein. Bytightening the fasteners 41, the internal plate 40 is fastened to thefront face 44 of the side of the receiving passage 20. One, two, three,four, five or more fasteners can be employed to aid in fastening theinternal plate to the front face 44. When three fasteners areimplemented, an improved stability can be provided without adding excessweight. Other arrangement can have other benefits as well such asincreased strength or reduced weight. Additionally, while the fastenerswere described as threaded fasteners, the fasteners can have otherconfigurations that allow for releasable engagement. In yet otherimplementations, the fasteners can be configured to prevent release andthereby take the form of permanent or semi-permanent fasteners.

The internal plate 40 can have indents 45 around each of the apertures42 on the front side 46 of the internal plate 40. The biasing elements43 can be aligned and fit within such apertures 42 when the internalplate 40 is tightened onto the front face 44. Moreover, the fasteners 41can have a threaded portion 36 and a free portion 37. Accordingly, whenthe internal plate 40 is fully fastened, there is still a distancebetween the front side 46 of the internal plate 40 and the front face 44of the receiving passage 20. The biasing elements 43 can be fixedbetween the internal plate 40 and front face 46, and act to maintain adistance between the two surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 4, the underside 36 of the biasing handle 31 can have aprojection member 50 extending from the center of the underside of thetop cover 33. The projection member 50 can have a threaded centralaperture 51. A compression T-bolt 52 is also depicted and has a threadedend 53 and a flanged end 54. When the biasing handle 31 and internalplate 40 are mounted onto the base member 5, the compression T-bolt 52passes through the central aperture 55 of the internal plate 40.Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the threaded end 53 of the compressionT-bolt 52 is insertable into the threaded central aperture 51 on theunderside of the biasing handle 31.

As shown in FIG. 4, the internal plate 40 further can have aninterference surface 56, and which can also be referred to as aninterference element or a blocking member. In the illustrated embodimentof FIG. 4, the interference surface 56 can characterized by two elongateprojections 57 separated by a trough 59. By actuation of the biasinghandle, the interference surface 56 can be engaged with the upright leg8 to resist and prevent its movement in the receiving passage 20. Whilethe interference surface 56 as illustrated has two elongate projections57, another number of projections can be implemented. For example, fourelongate projections 57 can be implemented. In yet another example,three elongate projections can be implemented. The number of projectionscan be based on a desired strength and size requirement. In at least oneexample, the projections can be variably configured such that thelocation and number of projections can be varied in dependence upon thecooperation with another component. The manner in which the illustratedinterference surface 56 is engaged and released from the upright leg 8is shown for example in FIGS. 6 and 7. When other types of inferencesurfaces 56 are implemented, the fit and look would be different.

As shown in FIG. 6, the upright leg 8 has a bar 60 positioned thereinand can have one or more grooves 61. In the illustrated example, aplurality of grooves 61 is provided. In yet another example, the groovescan be arranged in sets of grooves 61. The grooves 61 can have ridges 62and troughs 63. Further, the biasing handle 31 is depicted in a releasedconfiguration. In the released configuration, the interference surface56 is pulled back away from and disengaged from the upright leg 8. Byactuation of the biasing handle 31, the interference surface 56 can moveinto interfering engagement with the upright leg 8. Accordingly, thebiasing handle 31 in the actuated configuration is shown in FIG. 7. Inthe actuated configuration, the interference surface 56 is engagedagainst the upright leg 8.

As shown in FIG. 7, when engaged against the upright leg 8, the elongateprojections 57 are inserted into the troughs of the bar 60. Moreover,the interference surface 56 and grooves 61 can be reciprocally shapedsuch that when the interference surface 56 is engaged against theupright leg 8, the elongate projections 57 fit securely between theridges 62 and into the troughs 63 of the bar 60. Because of this securefit, the elongate projections 57 interfere with the movement of bar 60,and accordingly also the upright leg 6, thereby mechanically limitingand/or preventing movement of the upright leg 8. In particular, theelongate projections 57 block the ridges 62 from moving and thus resistvertical sliding and movement of the upright leg 8, fixing it firmly inplace.

As can be seen from the movement of the handle between FIG. 6 and FIG.7, the biasing handle 31 can move concomitantly with the interferencesurface 56 and a portion of the internal plate 40 can be containedwithin the biasing handle 31. Referring to FIG. 5, the compressionT-bolt 52 passes through the central aperture 55 of the internal plate40 and can be inserted into the threaded central aperture 51 on theunderside of the biasing handle 31. Additionally the compression T-bolt52 can have shaped portion 65, which is elongate in one direction (shownin FIGS. 3-4). This shaped portion 65 fits within the opening 66 of thebar 60, as can be seen in FIG. 8. Due to the elongate form of the shapedportion 65, the compression T-bolt 52 is prevented from rotating whenthe biasing handle 31 is rotated. At the same time however, the biasinghandle 31 will be drawn toward the upright leg 8.

Additionally, when the biasing handle 31 is rotated, the compressionT-bolt 52 is drawn further into the threaded aperture 51. Simultaneouslythe compression T-bolt 42 is drawn toward the biasing handle 31. Theflanged end 54 having the compression surface 67 on the undersidethereof, is pulled and compressed against an internal surface 68 of theupright leg 8 on the opposite side of the interference surface. This hasthe effect of squeezing and locking the upright leg 8, and inparticular, the bar 60 contained the upright leg 8 in place between theinterference surface 56 and the compression T-bolt 52.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the flanged end 54 of the compression T-bolt 52can be positioned just behind the bar 60, in the elongate internalcavity 69 of the upright member 6. Accordingly the compression surface55 can be compressed directly against the rear surface 68 of the bar 60or another internal surface of the upright leg 8.

As described above, the load carrier rack 1 can be configured to be aheight adjustable load carrier rack. When the load carrier rack isconfigured to be a height adjustable load carrier rack, one or more ofthe upright legs 8 of the load carrier rack 1 can be adjusted relativeto the base member 5 such that the height of the upright leg 1 can bechanged relative to the base member 5. As described above, the biasinghandle 31 can have an actuated and a released configuration in which theupright leg is held in position or free to move, respectively.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-16, the upright leg 8 can be configured to bevariously coupled to the base member 5 at discrete locations 910 along alength L of the upright leg 8. The number of discrete locations 910 canbe determined based on the number of vehicles upon which the upright leg8 and base member 5 are designed to be mounted. For example, if auniversal pair of upright leg 8 and base member 5 is desired, the numberof discrete locations 910 can be greater as compared to a configurationof an upright leg 8 and base member for fewer vehicles. Additionally,when a large number of discrete locations 910 are included, theadjustable load carrier rack 1 can be positioned above, level, and belowthe cab of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the adjustable load carrierrack 1 can be implemented on a vehicle without a cab such as a utilitytrailer.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the upright leg 8 can also include ademarcated portion 902. The demarcated portion 902 can include aplurality of position labels 904. Each of the plurality of positionlabels 904 can signify individual ones of a plurality of discreteposition settings of the upright leg 8 relative to the base member 5.The base member 5 can be configured to alternately engage with each ofthe plurality of discrete locations 910 along the length L of theupright leg 8. When the base member 5 engages with one of the pluralityof discrete locations 910, the height-setting of the load carrier rackis fixed in dependence upon user-selection among the position labels 904of the demarcated portion 902 of the upright leg 8. In FIG. 9, thediscrete position setting corresponds not with the position label thatis directly associated with the position setting, but it islongitudinally offset. The biasing handle 31 engages the upright leg 8at a portion that is below the respective label. The user can beinformed of a corresponding discrete position setting by the positionlabels 904. The position labels 904 that are directly above capattachment 27 corresponds to the engaged discrete position setting. Inother examples, the position labels 904 can correspond in other ways. Asillustrated, the position label 904 “26” denotes discrete positionsetting that the biasing handle 31 is engaged with.

As shown, the position label 904 is numeric. In other examples, theposition label 904 can be alphabetic. In yet another example, theposition label 904 can be alphanumeric so that it includes both lettersand numbers. In other examples, other symbols or even words can be used.For example, the position label 904 can indicate a particular make andmodel of a pickup truck. In other examples, the position label 904 canindicate the general size of the pickup truck for example, full size,mid-size, or compact.

While the present disclosure can be implemented with a single basemember 5 and corresponding upright leg 8, it is also within the scope ofthis disclosure that a plurality of base members 5 and correspondingupright legs 8 can be implemented. For example, a plurality of basemembers 5 can be each mountable on a vehicle. Additionally, a pluralityof upright legs 8 can be configured to be variously coupled, one each toa respective one of the plurality of base members 5, at discretelocations 910 along a length L of the respective upright leg 8. In oneexample, such as the one provided in FIGS. 1 and 2, four base members 5and four respective upright legs 8 can be implemented. In yet anotherexample, two base members 5 and two respective upright legs 8 can beimplemented.

FIG. 10 illustrates an upright leg 8 having a demarcated portion 902according to the present disclosure. The demarcated portion 902 has aplurality of position labels 904 which can be arranged as discussedabove. The upright leg 8 can have a top end 920. The demarcated portion902 of the upright leg 8 can be similarly positioned with respect to thetop end 920 of the upright leg 8. When a plurality of upright legs 8 areimplemented, the associated discrete position settings of each uprightleg 8 can be substantially the same so that when arranging the uprightlegs 8 in the respective base members 5, the upright legs 8 extend thesame distance therefrom. In this implementation, each top end 920 of theupright leg 8 is configured to engage with an upper support 6 atsubstantially the same distance from the vehicle. In some instances,users may desire to set the upright legs 8 at different heights from thevehicle such that the upright legs 8 closest to the vehicle cab arehigher than the upright legs 8 closest to the tailgate of the vehicle.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the position labels 904 are numeric labelsshown in an increasing order from the top end 920 of the upright leg 8to the bottom end 922 of the upright leg. When the numeric labels areshown in the increasing order, it is possible to have the positionlabels 904 reflect the distance the top end 920 is above the base member(not illustrated). In the illustrated example, when a user wishes toadjust the upright legs 8 to be the same height from the vehicle, theuser can align one of the upright legs 8 near the cab portion to thedesired height and then make the rest of the upright legs 8 the sameheight by setting the length of the upright legs 8 based on the positionlabels 904 (see example in FIG. 9).

FIG. 10 further illustrates the longitudinal axis 950 of the demarcatedportion 902. The upright leg 8 has a length L. The length of the uprightleg 8 can be selected in dependence upon the vehicles that the uprightleg 8 is designed to cooperate therewith. The demarcated portion 902 caninclude a left side portion 961 and a right side portion 963. The leftside portion 961 and right side portion 963 can be joined by joiningportion 962. In other implementations, demarcated portion 902 can be asingle piece along its entire length.

As illustrated, the plurality of discrete locations 910 along the lengthL of the upright leg 8 which the base member 5 alternately engages areformed by a series of alternating troughs 63 and ridges 62. While theillustrated embodiment includes troughs 63 and ridges 62, otherimplementations can have other features which allow for variableengagement therewith. For example, pegs and holes can be implemented. Inyet another example, slots can be implemented with correspondingengagement surfaces.

Additionally, the series of alternating troughs 63 and ridges 62 thatform the plurality of discrete locations 910 along the length L of theupright leg 8 can be formed in a strip 930 of material that can bereleasably coupled to the upright leg 8. As illustrated, the strip 930is releasably coupled to the upright leg 8 via a fastener. The fasteneras illustrated in FIG. 10 is a nut 966. The nut 966 is located within arecess 964 formed in the top portion of the demarcated portion 902.While the illustrated implementation of the demarcated portion 902 isreleasably coupled, other implementations can be coupled or attached tothe upright leg 8. The coupling of the demarcated portion 902 can bethrough a friction fit such that once the demarcated portion 902 isinstalled, it is difficult to remove the demarcated portion. Theattachment can be a permanent or semi-permanent attachment such that theremoval thereof is difficult or impossible without destroying uprightleg 8.

In order to further illustrate the releasable coupling as providing inFIG. 10, FIGS. 11-13 are provided. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the topportion of the demarcated portion 902 has an upright leg engagementfastener 968 protruding from the rear thereof. The upright legengagement fastener 968 is configured to fit within a receiving opening972 formed in the top end 920 of the upright leg 8. The uprightengagement fastener 968 is then positioned within the upright leg 8 andreleasably coupled thereto. When a releasable coupling of the demarcatedportion 902 is made, it allows for removal of the demarcated portion 902should it become damaged due to wear and tear or accidental damage.Since the demarcated portion 902 provides for engagement with the baseportion 5 (not shown), it is important to maintain the integritythereof. The demarcated portion 902 can have other portions which allowit to be fixed within the upright leg 8 such as side portions thatprovide for a snug fit.

FIG. 12 illustrate a perspective view of the demarcated portion 902including the upright engagement fastener 968. As seen, the demarcatedportion 902 includes a plurality of troughs 63 and ridges 62. Thefastener 968 goes through the demarcated portion 902 and is within arecess 964.

FIG. 13 illustrates yet another perspective view of the demarcatedportion 902 and the upright engagement fastener 968 and nut 66 in anassembly view. As shown, the upright engagement fastener 968 has athreaded connection for coupling with the nut 66.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate additional views of the demarcated portion 902.The demarcated portion 902 as illustrated in FIG. 14 has a center line950, a left side portion 961, a right side portion, ridges 62, andtroughs 63. Additionally, a plurality of position labels 904 is providedsignifying individual ones of a plurality of discrete position settings910. As indicated above, the discrete position setting 910 can be offsetfrom the associated position label 904. For example, the plurality ofdemarcated position labels 904 can be offset from any one of the troughs63 of the series of alternating troughs 63 and ridges 62 relative to alongitudinal axis 950 by an offset distance 981. This offset distance981 can be based on the dimension of the base member 5 and the positionlabel 904 that would be visible. While in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 9, the position label 904 is visible above the base member 5, theposition label 904 could be configured to be visible on the side of thebase member 5. In one example, the position label 904 could beconfigured to be visible through a clear viewing window provided in thebase member 5. In such an implementation the position label 904 can beselected based on whether the position label 904 is visible in theviewing window.

The position labels 904 can be printed on the strip 930 of materialcoupled to the upright leg 8 on which the series of alternating troughs63 and ridges 62 are formed. In other embodiments, the plurality ofdemarcated position labels 904 can alternatively be embossed upon thestrip 930 of material. In yet another example, the plurality ofdemarcated position labels 904 can be debossed into the strip 930 ofmaterial. In other implementations, the position labels 904 can beprovided on the upright leg 8 itself. When provided separately, aligningof the demarcated position labels 904 and associated discrete positionsetting is important.

Furthermore as illustrated in FIG. 14, the plurality demarcated positionlabels 904 are arranged in a consecutive series spaced part at the samedistance as the spacing between a consecutive series of troughs 63 ofthe series of alternating troughs 63 and ridges 62. For example, thetroughs 63 are spaced apart from one another by a trough distance 984.Additionally, the ridges 62 are spaced apart from one another by a ridgedistance 982. The ridge distance 982 and the trough distance 984 can bethe same distance as illustrated. In the illustrated example, thedemarcated position labels 904 are positioned on the ridges 62 and thusare spaced apart the same distance as the troughs 63 and ridges 62. Inthis example, an increase in precision of labeling can be achieved alongwith reduced cost in placement of labels as they are directly labeled onthe demarcated portion itself. The demarcated labels 904 can bepresented by any one of the above described techniques.

In at least one implementation, each of the plurality of demarcatedposition labels 904 can be positioned parallel to respective ones of thetroughs 63 of the series of alternating troughs 63 and ridges 62relative to a longitudinal axis 950 of the strip 930 of materialcomprising the labels 904 and troughs 63.

In at least one implementation, the upright legs 8 can be predominantlyconstructed from metal, and the strip 930 of material comprising thedemarcated position labels 904 and troughs 63 can be predominantlyconstructed from plastic. In other implementations, the upright legs 8and strip 930 of material can be constructed from the same material forexample a metal.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate close up views of the demarcated portion 902.As seen in the illustrations the demarcated position labels 904 arelocated on the ridges 62 which are adjacent to troughs 63. Additionally,the plurality of demarcated position labels 904 are arranged in aconsecutive series spaced part at the same distance as the spacingbetween a consecutive series of troughs 63 of the series of alternatingtroughs 63 and ridges 62. For example, the troughs 63 are spaced apartfrom one another by a trough distance 984 (shown in FIG. 16).Additionally, the ridges 62 are spaced apart from one another by a ridgedistance 982. The ridge distance 982 and the trough distance 984 can bethe same distance as illustrated. In the illustrated example, thedemarcated position labels 904 are positioned on the ridges 62 and thusare spaced apart the same distance as the troughs 63 and ridges 62.

FIGS. 17-21 illustrate a removable blocking device 1000 for preventingdisengagement of an upright leg 8 of a vehicular mounted load carrier 1from a base member 5 of the load carrier 1. (See FIGS. 1-3 illustratingthe implementation of the base member 5 and upright leg 8). Theremovable blocking device 1000 can be implemented to more securelyfasten the load carrier to the vehicle to prevent theft of the loadcarrier. The removable blocking device 1000 can be implemented withother implementations of components as described herein.

As described above, the base member 5 has a receiving passage formedthere-through and in which the upright leg 8 can reciprocate upwardlyand downwardly. The removable blocking device 1000 when installed andlocked in place limits the reciprocation of the upright leg 8 when theremovable blocking device 1000 abuts against the base member 5 proximateto a lower opening 21 to the receiving passage 20. In the illustratedexample, the removable blocking device 1000 is configured to only limitthe motion of the upright leg 8 when in a locked configuration. In otherimplementations, the removable blocking device 1000 can have a snugfriction or otherwise firmly retained configuration as well in which itresists motion of the upright leg 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, an interference portion 1010 can bereleasably couplable to a lower distal end 922 of the upright leg 8. Theinterference portion 1010 can have a dimension that is greater than acorresponding dimension of the lower opening 21 to the receiving passage20 through the base member 5. The interference portion 1010 can have anabutment surface 1012 configured to blockingly engage the base member 5proximate the lower opening 21 to the receiving passage 20.Additionally, in at least one implementation, a lock 1040 can becontained at least partially within the removable blocking device 1000,the lock 1040 being transitional between a locked configuration in whichthe removable blocking device 1000 is locked to the upright leg 8 and anunlocked configuration in which the removable blocking device 1000 isreleased from the upright leg 8.

As illustrated the lower distal end 922 of the upright leg can havespecial surfaces formed therein to accommodate the interference portion1010. Specifically, in at least one implementation, the removableblocking device can include an insert portion 1022 configured to bereceived in an opening 1030 in the upright leg 8 and to be releasablysecured therein. The interference portion 1010 can be coupled to a lowerdistal end 1021 of the insert portion 1022. Furthermore, the lock 1040can be contained at least partially within the insert portion 1022. Inother implementations, the lock 1040 can be located in another portionof the removable blocking device 1000 or the lock can be locatedexternally to the removable blocking device 1000, but allows for theremovable blocking device 1000 to be locked to the upright leg 8. Asindicated above, the removable blocking device 1000 can also beconfigured to have a snug, snap or other fit that allows for theremovable blocking device 100 to be retained in the upright leg 8without the lock being in the locked configuration. Additionally, inother implementations, the removable blocking device 1000 can be mountedsolely externally to the upright leg 8 such that no portion of theremovable blocking device 1000 is within the upright leg 8.

The insert portion 1022 can be co-molded together with the interferenceportion 1010. In other implementations, the insert portion 1022 can bereleasably coupled to the interference portion 1010. In yet anotherimplementation, the lock 1040 can be configured to secure the insertportion 1022 to the interference portion 1010. As illustrated, theinsert portion 1022 can include a bottom portion 1020 which is widerthan a top portion 1026 thereof. The bottom portion 1020 can adjoin theinterference portion 1010. The opening 1030 can be configured to receivethe different shapes and sizes of the top portion 1026 and bottomportion 1020 of the insert portion 1022. For example, the opening 1030can have shoulder areas 1032 formed therein for receiving the widerbottom portion 1020. Furthermore, the top portion 1026 can include twoside walls 1023 through which a pair of openings 1024 are formed. Eachof the pair of openings 1024 can be sized to permit a portion 1044 ofthe lock 1040 to extend there-though and engage corresponding lockreceiving portions 1034 of the upright leg 8. The portion 1044 of thelock 1040 can be mounted on a securement portion 1042 of the lock thatextends from the rotatory portion of the lock and is configured to beadaptable to a variety of different locking requirements. In theillustrated implementation, the portion 1044 is in the form of a tab.

FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the removable blockingdevice 1000 and the upright leg 8. As seen from the perspective view,the upright leg 8 can have a structure to provide various shapesinternal thereto. In at least one implementation, the upright leg 8 canbe extruded. When the upright leg 8 is extruded, other components can beinserted therein to provide for a more snug or friction type fit. Forexample in the opening 1030, the demarcated portion strip 930 asdescribed above has been inserted. When the insert portion 1022 isincluded, the insert portion 1022 can extend into the opening 1030 andat least partially abut the strip 930. The strip 930 in cooperation withopening 1030 can form the shoulder areas 1032. In this view the lock1040 is visible as well as a bottom surface of the interference portion1010.

FIG. 18 also illustrates the dimensions of the opening 21 in the basemember 5. The opening 21 is flanked by lower undercap 29. The lowerundercap as described above provides for a closer fit to the upright leg8. The opening 21 has a long dimension 1065 and a short dimension 1067.As illustrated, the long dimension 1065 is the length and the shortdimension 1067 is the width. In other implementations the long dimension1065 and the short dimension 1067 can be substantially the same.

FIG. 19 illustrates the dimensions of the interference portion 1010. Asillustrated, the interference portion 1010 has a long axis 1062 and ashort axis 1064 respectively corresponding to the long dimension andshort dimension of the interference portion 1010. Thus, the interferenceportion has a length 1061 and a width 1063 along the long axis 1062 andshort axis 1064, respectively. In at least one implementation, thelength 1061 is greater than the long dimension 1065. In anotherimplementation, the width 1063 is greater than the short dimension 1065.In some implementations, the entire length 1061 is greater than the longdimension 1065, and in other implementations only a portion of thelength 1061 is greater than the long dimension 1065. In someimplementations, the entire width 1063 is greater than the shortdimension 1067, and in other implementations only a portion of the width1063 is greater than the short dimension 1067. In one implementation,the length 1061 of the interference portion 1010 in the direction of thelong axis 1062 is greater than a corresponding length 1065 of the loweropening 21 to the receiving passage 20. In another implementation, awidth 1063 of the interference portion 1010 in the direction of theshort axis 1064 is greater than a corresponding width 1065 of the loweropening 21 to the receiving passage 20. In yet another implementation,both a length 1061 of the interference portion 1010 in the direction ofthe long axis 1062 is greater than a corresponding length 1065 of thelower opening 21 to the receiving passage 20 and a width 1063 of theinterference portion 1010 in the direction of the short axis 1064 isgreater than a corresponding width 1065 of the lower opening 21 to thereceiving passage 20. In still another embodiment, the abutment surface1012 of the interference portion 1010 is a perimeter about theinterference portion 1010 and the perimeter about the interferenceportion 1010 can be greater than a perimeter about the lower opening 21.In these examples, a dimension of the interference portion 1010 preventsit from passing through the opening 21. Other implementations thatprevent the interference portion 1010 from passing through the opening21 are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates the interference portion 1010 in a lockedconfiguration relative to the upright leg 8. The interference portion1010 is held in place by the lock.

FIG. 21 illustrates a section view of one illustrative implementation ofthe removable blocking device 1000 in a locked configuration. Asillustrated the opening 21 has a long dimension 1065 and theinterference portion has a length 1061. As seen, the length 1061 isgreater than the long dimension 1065. Additionally, a lock retentionopening 1070 can be formed in one end of the upright leg 8. Furthermore,lock retention tabs 1072 can be formed on at least two sides 1071, 1073of the lock retention opening, wherein the lock retention tabs 1072prevent removal of the lock 1040 in the locked configuration. In otherimplementations, other lock retention members can be used to allow thelock to be retained therein. In other implementations, the lock can beimplemented externally to the upright leg 8.

Examples of locking covers in accordance with the present disclosurewill now be described in relation to FIGS. 22-32.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an example locking cover for shrouding anoperator-engageable portion of the clamp device from unauthorized accessin the installed and locked position. FIG. 22 illustrates the lockingcover 2202 in an uninstalled unlocked position 2201. FIG. 23 illustratesthe locking cover 2202 in an installed and locked position 2203.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrates two clamp devices 2204 coupled or clampedonto a surface 2200, but fewer or more than two clamp devices 2204 canbe utilized. In FIGS. 22 and 23, the surface 2200 is a portion of a bedrail of a vehicle. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, theclamp devices 104 can clamp onto the elongate recess 25 of a base memberof a truck bed rail. For example, as discussed above, the truck bed railcan have a planar extension 22 having the elongate recess 25 runningalong at least portion of its length. The elongate recess 25 can beconfigured to receive a portion of the clamp device 2204, as an aid tosecure the clamp 2204 thereon. While FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate theclamp devices 2204 clamped to a vehicle, in other implementations, theclamp devices 2204 can be clamped onto a desk, a work table, a beam, orany other surface which can be gripped by clamp devices 2204.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, the clamp devices 2204 are C-clamps but can beG-clamps, miter clamps, bench clamps, vises, hand screws, setscrews, orany other device or mechanism that allows one object to clamp, grip, orotherwise couple to another object. As illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23,the clamp devices 2204 can each have an operator-engageable portion2206. For example, the operator-engageable portion 2206 can be a portionof the screw or bolt operable by a user to engage or clamp the clampdevice 2204 to a surface 2200. In FIGS. 22 and 23, theoperator-engageable portion 2206 can be rotated to engage or disengagean end of the screw, opposite to the operator engageable portion 2206,from the surface 2200.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the locking cover 2202 is in the unlocked anduninstalled configuration 2201. For example, the locking cover 2202 isdisengaged or uncoupled from the clamp device 2204. In FIG. 22, anadapter 2208 can be installed to the clamp device 2204. For example, theadapter 2208 can be installed on a portion of the clamp device 2204adjacent the operator-engageable portion 2206. In FIG. 22, the adapter2208 is installed on the portion of the clamp device 2204 from which theoperator-engageable portion 2206 protrudes. The adapter 2208 can beconfigured to couple the locking cover 2202 to the clamp device 104.Also illustrated in FIG. 22, the locking cover 2202 can include a lock2210 coupled thereto. In FIG. 22, the lock 2210 is in an unlockedconfiguration. For example, the unlocked configuration can be identifiedby the vertical orientation a line 2211 or recess formed on the lock2210. As the lock is in the unlocked configuration, the locking cover2202 can be removed from engagement or coupling the clamp device 2204(or adapter 2208 as illustrated in FIG. 22).

FIG. 23 illustrates the locking cover 2202 in the installed and lockedposition 2203. In FIG. 23, the locking cover 2202 is received by theclamp device 2204. Specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 23,the locking cover 2202 is received by the adapter 2208 that is coupledto the clamp device 2204. As illustrated in FIG. 23, when the lockingcover 2202 is in the installed and locked position 2203, the lockingcover 2202 shrouds the operator-engageable portion 2206 of the clampdevice 2204. Such shrouding thereby prevents unauthorized access to theoperator-engageable portion 2206 and thereby prevents any unauthorizedor unintentional adjustments, removal, or loosening of the clamp device2204 from the surface to which the clamp devices 2204 is coupled. InFIG. 23, the installed and locked position 2203 of the locking cover2202 can be identified by the horizontal orientation of the line 2211 ofthe lock 2210. While FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate the locked position 2203corresponding to a horizontal orientation of the line 2211 and theunlocked position 2201 corresponding to a vertical orientation of theline 2211, in other implementations, the horizontal orientation of theline 2211 can correspond to the unlocked position 2201 and the verticalorientation of the line 2211 can correspond to the locked position.Other markings or identifiers can be utilized to identify the locked2203 and unlocked 2201 positions of the locking cover 2202.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a front of an example lockingcover 2202 coupled to a clamp device 2204. In FIG. 24, the clamp device2204 is a C-clamp but can be a C-clamp, a G-clamp, a miter clamp, abench clamp, a vise, a hand screw, a setscrew, or any other device ormechanism that allows one object to clamp, grip, or otherwise couple toanother object. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the clamp device 2204includes a body 2402. The body 2402 has a first portion 2404 forengaging a surface. For example, the first portion 2404 can be shaped ororiented engage the elongate recess 25 of a base member of a truck bedrail. The body 2402 can also include a second portion 2406 through whichthe operator-engageable portion 2206 can be received. The first portion2404 and the second portion 2406 of the body 2402 can form the C-shapeof the clamp device 2204, when the clamp device 2204 is a C-clamp. Whilenot shown, the second portion 2406 can define an aperture through whichthe operator-engageable portion 2206 can be received. Theoperator-engageable portion 2206 can be a bolt but can also be a screw,a jaw, or any other operator-engageable portion that when engaged oroperated by a user causes the clamp device 2204 to clamp or grip asurface.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, a portion of the operator engageable portion2206 is housed or shrouded by the locking cover 2202. In FIG. 24, thelocking cover 2202 is coupled to the clamp device 2204 adjacent thesecond portion 306 of the clamp device body 2402. In FIG. 24, thelocking cover 2202 is illustrated in the locked and installed position2203. The locking cover 2202 can include a cover body 2408. The coverbody 2408 can have a plurality of perimeter walls 2410, 2411 that definea receiving cavity (shown in FIG. 25) within which at least a portion ofthe operator-engageable portion is located when the locking cover 2202is in the installed and locked position 2203 on the clamp device 2204.

FIG. 25 illustrates rear view of the example locking cover 2202 coupledto the clamp device 2204 illustrated in FIG. 24. As illustrated in FIGS.24 and 25, the perimeter walls 2410, 2411 of the cover body 2408 canpredominantly surround the operator-engageable portion 2206 of the clampdevice 2204 in the installed and locked position 2203. In otherimplementations, the perimeter walls 2410 of the cover body 2408 cansurround at least half of the operator-engageable portion 2206 of theclamp device 2204 in the installed and locked position 2203. In stillother implementations the perimeter walls 2410 of the cover body 2408can surround accessible portions of the operator-engageable portion 2206of the clamp device 2204 in the installed and locked position 2203. Inat least one implementation, at least one of the perimeter walls 2410(for example, a top wall 2512) can form an opening 3110 (illustrated inFIG. 31) sufficiently large enough to permit the operator-engageableportion 2206 of the clamp device 2204 to pass there-through. Asillustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the perimeter walls 2410 do not form acomplete housing. That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, thelocking cover 2202 has at least one open face. For example, one face ofthe locking cover 2202 is open and does not include a perimeter wall2410, thereby exposing an operator-engageable portion 2206 that may beshrouded by the locking cover 2202 when the clamp device 2204 is notcoupled or clamped to a surface. Although the locking cover 2202includes an open face, tampering or unauthorized access to theoperator-engageable portion 2206 is prevented when the clamp device 2204is coupled or clamped to a surface (for example a truck bed rail) andthe locking cover 2202 is coupled to the clamp device 2204. In such aconfiguration, the open face of the locking cover 2202 can face or beoriented against a side wall of the truck to which the clamp device 2204is clamped. Thus, in such an orientation, the locking cover 2202 shroudsthe operator-engageable portion 2206 of the clamp device 2206, and thelocking cover 2202 and the side wall of the vehicle can substantiallyentirely shroud or house the operator-engageable portion 2206 to preventunauthorized access thereto.

FIG. 25 illustrates the receiving cavity 2500 defined by the perimeterwalls 2412 of the cover body 2410. Additional details regarding thereceiving cavity 2500 will be described in relation to FIG. 31. Thecover body 2410 can include a divider 2506 configured to divide thereceiving cavity 400. In FIG. 25, the divider 406 can divide thereceiving cavity 2500 into a first cavity 2502 and a second cavity 2504.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the divider 2506 is formed froman interior surface 2501 of the cover body 2410. For example, thedivider 2406 can be co-molded to the interior surface 2501 of the coverbody 2410. In other implementations, the divider 2506 can be coupled tothe interior surface 2501 of the cover body 2410. For example, thedivider 2506 can be adhered, welded, affixed, or otherwise attached tothe interior surface 401 of the cover body 2410. The divider 2506 canreinforce the structure of the cover body 2410. The divider 2506 canalso receive and maintain the alignment of the operator-engageableportion 2206 when the operator-engageable portion 2206 is of a size thatextends into the second cavity 2504.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the locking cover 2202 can be coupled to theclamp device 2204 by an adapter 2208. In FIG. 25, the adapter 2208 canbe a structure that is couplable to or installable upon the clamp device2204. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the adapter 2208 can be coupled to thesecond portion 2406 of the clamp device 2204. Specifically, in oneimplementation, the adapter 2208 can be coupled to or installed upon abottom surface 2516 of the second portion 2406 of the clamp device 2204.In FIG. 25, the adapter 2208 can be coupled to the second portion 2406of the clamp device 2204 by a fastener portion 2516. For example, thefastener portion 2516 can be a bolt, a screw, or any other fastenerconfigured to couple the adapter 2208 to the clamp device 2204.

In FIG. 25, the adapter 2208 can be a structure that is configured toreceive the cover body 310 in the installed and locked position 2203. InFIG. 25, and as will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS.26 and 27, the adapter 2208 is a structure that includes a portionshaped as a “T.” For example, the adapter 2208 can have a centralportion 2508 and extensions 2510 extending from the central portion toform the T-shape. In other implementations, the adapter can have a shapeother than a “T,” as will be discussed below

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the central portion 2508 can define a recess2509 configured to receive at least a portion of the operator-engageableportion 2206 of the clamp device 2204 in the installed and lockedposition 2203 of the locking cover 2202. For example, the recess 2509can be configured to receive the end of the operator-engageable portion2206 that includes the head 2518 of the operator-engageable portion2206. The head 2518 of the operator-engageable portion 2206 can beoperated by a user to rotate the operator-engageable portion 2206 totighten or loosen the grip of the clamp device 2202 to a surface. Asillustrated in FIG. 25, the head 2518 is a hex head of a bolt, but canbe Phillips head, a slot, a notch, or any other head of anoperator-engageable portion 2206 by which the operator can grip torotate the operator-engageable portion 2206 or by which the operator caninsert a tool to rotate operator-engageable portion 2206.

The extensions 2510 of the adapter 2208 can extend from the centralportion 2508, as illustrated in FIG. 25. For example, the extensions2510 can form a lip or an elongate rail which can engage the lockingcover 2202 in the installed and locked position 2203. As illustrated inFIG. 25, the extensions 2501 of the adapter 2208 can define a channel2514 with a bottom surface 2512 of the second portion 2406 of the clampdevice 2204. The channel 2514 can be configured to receive the coverbody 2410 when the locking cover 2202 and the clamp device 2204 are inthe installed and locked position 2203. For example, the channel 2514can be an engagement portion configured to engage a cover engagementreceiving portion. The cover body 2410 of the locking cover 2202 caninclude a clamp device engagement portion 2520 to engage the channel2514. For example, the channel 2514 and the clamp device engagementportion 2520 can be complimentarily shaped such that the clamp deviceengagement portion 2520 of the cover body 2408 is receivable by thechannel 2514 (for example, the cover engagement receiving portion). InFIG. 25, the clamp device engagement portion 2520 of the cover body 2410can be an elongate rail formed on the perimeter wall 2510 that will beadjacent to the bottom surface 2512 of the clamp device 2204 in theinstalled and locked position 2203.

While FIG. 25 illustrates the channel 2514 being defined by the adapter2208 that is a separate component from the clamp device 2204, theadapter 2208 and the clamp device 2204 can be one component. Forexample, the adapter 2208 can be co-molded or formed on the bottomsurface 2512 of the clamp device 2204. However, having the adapter 2208as a separate component can be advantageous if the clamp device 2204 ispower coated. Power coating is typically applied to simple shapes thathave few crevices, indentations, corners, and recesses. Having theadapter 2208 as a separate component from the clamp device 2204 allowsfor an even and complete covering of the adapter 2208 and clamp device2204 during power coating. That is, as the adapter 2208 and the clampdevice 2204 are separate components, each surface thereof can receive aneven and complete coating of the power coat.

In at least one implementation, the locking cover 2202 can be coupled tothe clamp device 2204 without an adapter. For example, the clamp device2204 can include a cover engagement receiving portion 2514. The coverengagement receiving portion 2514 can be formed by protrusions extendingfrom the bottom surface 2512 of the clamp device 2204 through which theoperator-engageable portion 2206 is inserted. The cover engagementreceiving portion 2514 can be a channel similar to the channel formed bythe extensions 2510 of the adapter 2208 illustrated in FIG. 25. In otherimplementations, the cover engagement receiving portion 2514 can betrack formed or coupled to the clamp device 2204. As discussed above,the locking cover 2202 can include a clamp device engagement portion2520. The clamp device engagement portion 2420 can be an elongate rail,a portion of a surface complimentarily shaped to the cover engagementreceiving portion 2514 of the clamp device 2202, or an elongateengagement surface. The clamp device engagement portion 2420 can have anelongate engagement surface having a length greater than a widththereof. For example, the clamp device engagement portion 2420 can beshaped, dimensioned, or both shaped and dimensioned such that the clampengagement portion 2420 is receivable within the cover engagementreceiving portion 2514 of the clamp device 2204. The complimentarilyconfiguration or shapes of the clamp engagement portion 2420 and thecover engagement receiving portion 2514 of the clamp device 2204 canallow for the coupling between the clamp device 2204 and the lockingcover 2202.

Returning to an implementation in which an adapter 2208 can be utilizedto couple the clamp device 2204 and the locking cover 2202, FIGS. 26 and27 illustrate an example of such an adapter 2208. FIG. 26 illustrates aperspective view of an example adapter 2208. FIG. 27 illustrates abottom view of the example adapter 2208 illustrated in FIG. 26.

As illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the adapter 2208 can be a T-shapedstructure. For example, the adapter 2208 can have a central portion 2508and two extensions 2510 extending therefrom to form the T-shape. Asdiscussed above, the two extensions 2510 of the adapter 2208 can formthe channel 2514 or the cover engagement receiving portion 2514 with theclamp device 2204 when the clamp device 2204 and the adapter 2208 arecoupled to one another. In other implementations, the adapter 2208 canbe an I-shape, L-shape, U-shape, square, rectangle, oval, circular, orhave any other shape configured to receive at least a portion of anoperator-engageable portion 2206 of a clamp device 2204 in the installedand locked position 2203. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the adapter 2208can define a recess 2509. The recess can be configured to receive atleast a portion of an operator-engageable portion 2206 of a clamp device2204 in the installed and locked position 2203. In FIG. 26, the recess2509 has a U-shape but can be circular or any other shape. In FIG. 26,the recess 2509 can be sized to accommodate operator-engageable portions2206 having a variety of diameters. For example, the recess 2509 canhave a radius sized to be sized to accommodate operator-engageableportions 2206 having a variety of diameters. That is, the recess 2509can be sized to accommodate operator-engageable portions 2206 (forexample, bolts or screws) having diameters ranging from ¼″ to 1½″, orany other range of diameters. For example, a range of diameters of boltsconventionally utilized in clamp devices configured to clamp on to avehicle surface.

Also illustrated in FIG. 26, the top surface 2600 of the adapter 2208can define an aperture 2602. The aperture 2602 can be configured toreceive the fastener portion 2516. As discussed above, the fastenerportion 2516 can be a bolt, screw, or any other device or mechanismconfigured to couple the adapter 2208 to the clamp device 2204. When theadapter 2208 is coupled to the clamp device 2204, the fastener portion2516 can be housed or received in in a lock cavity 2606 of the adapter2208. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, a wall 2604 and abottom surface 2700 of the adapter 2208 can define the lock cavity 2606.The wall 2604 of the adapter 2208 can also form a lock engagementsurface 2702. In FIG. 27, the wall 2604 forms two lock engagementsurfaces 2702. The lock engagement surface 2702 can be configured toabut or engage a locking tab of the lock 2210 of the locking cover 2202in the locked and installed position 2203 of the locking cover 2202 anda locked configuration of the lock 2210, as will be discussed in furtherdetail with respect to FIG. 32.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of an example clamp device 2204with the operator-engageable portion 2206 with an example adapter 2208coupled thereto by a fastener portion 2516. As illustrated in FIG. 28,when the adapter 2208 and the clamp device 2204 are coupled thereto, thefastener portion 2516 is received in the lock cavity 2606. Specifically,as illustrated in FIG. 28, a head of the fastener portion 2516 isreceived in the lock cavity 2606. Also illustrated in FIG. 28, theoperator-engageable portion 2206 is received within the recess 2509formed by the adapter 2208. In FIG. 28, the head 2518 of theoperator-engageable portion 2206 can extend beyond the bottom surface2700 of the adapter 2208. As illustrated in FIG. 28, since the lockcover is not coupled to the adapter 2208 or the clamp device 2204, thehead 2518 of the operator-engageable portion 2206 is accessible by theuser or operator to tighten or loosen the grip of the clamp device 2204to a surface.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate the coupling of the adapter 2208 and theclamp device 2204 without the operator-engageable portion 2206 andwithout the locking cover. FIG. 29 illustrates a bottom view of theadapter 2208 coupled to the clamp device 2204. FIG. 30 illustrates a topperspective view of the adapter 2208 and the clamp device 2204. FIG. 29illustrates the orientation of the adapter 2208 with respect to theclamp device 2204 to align the recess 2509 and aperture 2602 of theadapter 2208 with the clamp device 2204. As illustrated in FIG. 29, whenthe adapter 2208 is coupled to the clamp device 2204, the recess 2509defined by the adapter 2208 aligns with an operator-engageable portionaperture 3004 defined by the clamp device 2204. As the recess 2509aligns with the operator-engageable portion aperture 3004, the operatorengageable portion 2206 can be received within the recess 2509. FIG. 30illustrates the fastener portion receiving aperture 3002 of the clampdevice 2204. The fastener portion receiving aperture 3002 can beconfigured to receive the fastener portion 2516 that couples the adapter2208 to the clamp device 2204. For example, the fastener portion 2516can be a threaded bolt (as illustrated in FIG. 31). The fastener portionreceiving aperture 3002 can be threaded to matingly engage the threadsof the fastener portion 2516 when the adapter 2208 is coupled to theclamp device 2204.

Also, FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate the orientation of the adapter 2208 tothe clamp device 2204 to form the cover engagement receiving portion(for example, the channel 2514). As illustrated in FIG. 29, the bottomsurface 2510 of the clamp device 2204 can define a first boundary of thechannel 2514. The central portion 2508 of the adapter 2208 structure canform a second boundary of the channel 2514. The extension (for example,one of the extensions 2510) of the adapter 2208 can form a thirdboundary of the channel 2514. The resulting channel 2514 is then boundat three sides to form a U-shaped or C-shaped channel or track. Theresulting channel 2514 can be configured to receive a complimentarilyconfigured clamp device engagement portion (for example, an elongaterail 2520) of the locking cover 2202. In FIG. 29, one or both of theextensions 2510 can each form a cover engagement receiving portion withthe clamp device 2204 when the adapter 2208 and the clamp device 2204are coupled. In at least one implementation, the adapter 2208 and theclamp device 2204 can form one cover engagement receiving portion, forexample, where the adapter 2208 is an L-shaped adapter.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example adapter 2208 coupled to an examplelocking cover 2202. As illustrated in FIG. 31, the locking cover 2202includes a plurality of perimeter walls 2410. The plurality of perimeterwalls 2410, 2411, 3102, 3118 can include at least one side wall 2410(two side walls are illustrated in FIG. 31), a bottom wall 3118, a frontwall 2411, and a top wall 3102. In FIG. 31, the side walls 2410, thefront wall 2411, the bottom wall 3118, and the top wall 3102 can definethe receiving cavity 2500 of the locking cover 2202. FIG. 31 illustratesthe longitudinal axis 3112 of the cover body 2410 of the locking cover2202. Also illustrated in FIG. 31 is the longitudinal axis 3114 of thefastener portion 2516 of the adapter 2208. As illustrated in FIG. 31,the longitudinal axis 3112 of the cover body 2410 can be orientedsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 3114 of the fastenerportion 2516 when the fastener portion is connected to the clamp device(not shown) in the installed and locked position 2203.

In at least one implementation, at least a portion of the receivingcavity 2500 can have a rectangular cross-sectional shape takenperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3112 of the locking cover 2202.In another implementation, the receiving cavity 2500 can have arectangular cross-sectional shape when taken perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 3112 of the locking cover 2202. In an implementationwhere the receiving cavity 2500 is divided into a plurality of cavities(for example, two cavities as illustrated in FIG. 25), each of thereceiving cavities 2500 can have the same cross-sectional shape or canhave different cross-sectional shapes. For example, the receivingcavities 2500 can have the same cross-sectional shape to provide auniformly-shaped structure. In other implementations the receivingcavities 2500 can have different cross-sectional shapes to allow forstructural reinforcement of the locking cover 2202.

As illustrated in FIG. 31, the perimeter walls 2410, 2411, 3118, 3102can include at least one substantially planar exterior surface 3116oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the 3112 ofthe cover body of the locking cover 2202. In FIG. 13, the perimeterwalls include a plurality of substantially planar exterior surfaces 3116oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the 3112 ofthe cover body of the locking cover 2202. In at least oneimplementation, at least one of substantially planar exterior surfacecan be oriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the3112 of the cover body of the locking cover 2202. For example, thesubstantially planar exterior surface of the bottom wall 3118 can beoriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the 3112of the cover body of the locking cover 2202. As illustrated in theexample implementation of FIG. 31, at least one substantially planarexterior surface can be oriented oblique to the longitudinal axis 3112of the cover body of the locking cover 2202. For example, thesubstantially planar exterior surface of the front perimeter wall 2411can be oriented oblique to the longitudinal axis 3112 of the cover bodyof the locking cover 2202.

FIG. 31 illustrates the clamp device engagement portion 2520 of thecover body of the locking cover 2202. In FIG. 31, the clamp deviceengagement portion 2520 is an elongate rail. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 31, the elongate rail 2520 can be formed by a top wall 3102 ofthe cover body and a lip 3104 formed on the top wall 3102. For example,the lip 3104 can extend from the top wall 3102 towards the receivingcavity 2500 of the locking cover 2202. As illustrated in FIG. 31, thelip 3104 and the top wall 3102 can form a C-shape or a U-shape to engagea complimentarily configured cover engagement receiving portion 2514. Asdiscussed above, the cover engagement receiving portion 2514 can beformed by the adapter 2208 and a bottom surface of the clamp device (notshown) when the adapter 2208 is coupled to the clamp device. In otherimplementations, the cover engagement receiving portion 2514 can be atrack formed on the bottom surface of the clamp device (not shown). Inthe example implementation illustrated in FIG. 31, an interior wall ofthe cover body can form a ridge 3106 or other protrusion to engage theadapter 2208 when the clamp device engagement portion 2520 is receivedin the cover engagement receiving portion 2514. The ridge 3106 canextend along the interior wall of the cover body perpendicularly to thelongitudinal axis 3112 of the cover body. The ridge 3106 can be a bump,a hump, or any other protrusion. The ridge 3106 can be a uniform ridgeextending along the interior wall, a series of bumps extending along theinterior wall such that the series of bumps collectively form a ridge,or any other protrusion or series of protrusions. The ridge 3106 canengage a surface of the adapter 2208 or cover engagement receivingportion 2514 when the clamp device engagement portion 2520 is receivedin the cover engagement receiving portion 2514. The ridge 3106 can alignthe clamp device engagement portion 2520 is received in the coverengagement receiving portion 2514. The ridge 3106 can also provide forstabilize the clamp device engagement portion 2520 is received in thecover engagement receiving portion 2514, thereby ensuring that thelocking cover 2202 remains engaged or coupled to the adapter 2208, andthus the clamp device 2202. In an implementation where the locking cover2202 and the clamp device 2204 can be coupled without an adapter 2208,the ridge 3106 can engage the cover engagement receiving portion of theclamp device 2204.

FIG. 31 also illustrates the lock 2210 coupled to the cover body of thelocking cover 2202. The lock 2210 can be configured to lock the lockingcover 2202 to the adapter 2208 when the adapter 2208 is installed uponthe clamp device 2204. When the locking cover 2202 is locked to theadapter 2208 and the adapter is installed upon the clamp device 2204,the locking cover 2202 can be coupled to the clamp device 2204 in theinstalled and locked position. FIG. 31 illustrates the lock-cylinder3108 of the lock 2210. The lock-cylinder 3108 can lock the locking cover2202 to the adapter 2208 as will be discussed in greater detail withrespect to FIG. 32. In FIG. 31, the lock-cylinder 3108 can have aportion that is fixedly connected to the cover body of the locking cover2202. The lock-cylinder 3108 can also have a longitudinal axis 3206(shown in FIG. 32) that is substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the cover body. The longitudinal axis 3206 can alsobe the rotational axis of the lock-cylinder.

In FIG. 31, the lock 2210 is in the unlocked configuration. In theillustrated unlocked configuration, the locking cover 2202 is receivedin the cover engagement receiving portion 2514. In such a configuration,the locking cover 2202 can prevent access to an operator-engageableportion 2206 (not shown) of a clamp device, when the operator-engageableportion 2206 is received therein. However, to further ensure that accessto the operator-engageable portion 2206 is prevented, the locking cover2202 can be placed in the locked configuration, thereby locking thelocking cover 2202 to the cover engagement receiving portion 2514. Inthe locked configuration, the locking cover 2202 cannot be removed,thereby preventing against unauthorized access to an operator-engageableportion 2206. As access to the operator-engageable portion 2206 isprevented in the installed and locked configuration of the locking cover2202 to the clamp device (not shown), tampering of the clamp device isprevented. The operator can thereby ensure that the clamp device 2204remains clamped to a surface and that the clamp device 2204 cannot bereleased from being clamped to the surface when the locking cover 2202is in the installed and locked configuration.

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of an example adapter 2208 coupled to anexample clamp device 2204 illustrating the interaction between the lock2210 of the locking cover 2202 but with the cover body removed. Asillustrated in FIG. 32, when the locking cover (not shown) is coupled tothe adapter 230, a distal end of the lock-cylinder 3108 is received inthe lock cavity 2606 of the adapter 2208. The distal end of thelock-cylinder 3108 can include an engagement portion 3202 transitionalbetween locked and unlocked configurations. For example, the engagementportion 3202 can include a locking tab 3204. The locking tab 3204 can betransitional between locked and unlocked configurations. When thelocking tab 3204 is in the locked configuration, the locking tab 3204can engage the locking engagement surface 2702 of the adapter 2208. Forexample the locking tab 3204 can abut locking engagement surface 2702 inthe locked configuration, thereby preventing the distal end of thelock-cylinder 3108 from being removed from the lock cavity 2606 of theadapter 2208. That is, when the lock-cylinder 3108 is in the lockedconfiguration, the locking engagement surface 2702 can act as a stop ora catch the locking tab 3204 of the lock-cylinder 3108 if thelock-cylinder (and thus the locking cover 2202 is pulled away from theclamp device 2204 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 3206of the lock 2210.

In FIG. 32, the lock 2210 can be transitioned between the locked andunlocked configurations by rotating the lock-cylinder 3108 about thelongitudinal axis 3206. That is, the longitudinal axis 3206 can be therotational axis about which the lock 2210 rotates. For example, in FIG.32, the lock-cylinder 3108 can be rotated 90 degrees to place the lock2210 in a locked configuration. The locked configuration can correspondto the position of the lock-cylinder 3108 that places the locking tab3204 of the lock-cylinder 3108 in engagement with the locking engagementsurface 2702 of the adapter 2208. The unlocked configuration cancorrespond to the position of the lock-cylinder 3108 that places thelocking tab 3204 of the lock-cylinder 3108 out of engagement with thelocking engagement surface 2702 of the adapter 2208. For example, toplace the lock-cylinder in the unlocked configuration, the lock-cylindercan 3108 be rotated 90 degrees in a direction opposite to the directionthat places the lock-cylinder 3108 in the locked configuration. Inanother implementation, place the lock-cylinder 3108 in the unlockedconfiguration, the lock-cylinder can 3108 be rotated another 90 degreesin a direction that is the same as the direction that places thelock-cylinder 3108 in the locked configuration.

While FIG. 32 illustrates that the lock 2210 of locking cover 2202interacts with a locking engagement surface 2702 of an adapter 2208, thelocking engagement surface 2702 can be formed on a surface of the clampdevice 2204. For example, the locking engagement surface 2702 can beformed on the second portion 2406 of the body 2402 of the clamp 2204.That is, the locking engagement surface 2702 can be formed on or coupledto the portion or surface of the clamp device 2204 that is adjacent thelocking cover 2202 when the locking cover 2202 is in the installed andlocked configuration 2203.

While the example implementations illustrated in FIGS. 22-32 describethe locking cover 2202 as having a clamp device engagement portion 2520that is a rail that engages a complimentarily configured coverengagement receiving portion 2514 that is a track, the locking cover2202 can engage the clamp device 2204 by other clamp device engagementportions 2520 and cover engagement receiving portions 2514. For example,the locking cover 2202 can be snap-fit, friction fit, press-fit, orconformance fit with the cover engagement receiving portion 2514 of theclamp device 2204. In other implementations, the locking cover 2202 canhave clamp device engagement portions 2520 that are pegs, bumps, orother protrusions and that are configured to engage with coverengagement receiving portions 2514 of the clamp device 2204 that areslots, holes, recesses, or other complimentarily configured coverengagement receiving portions 2514.

The locking cover 2202 has been described in relation to FIGS. 22-32 asa separate component from the clamp device 2204 that is removablyattachable or couplable to the clamp device 2204. However, the clampdevice 2204 can be hingeably coupled or tethered to the clamp device2204.

While FIGS. 22-32 have been described with respect to a clamp device fora vehicle, the locking cover 2202 described herein can be implemented onany other device having an operator-engageable portion. For example, thelocking cover 2202 can be implemented on a door knob, a screw, a bolt, ahitch, or any other similar device or structure.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. Various modifications and changes can be made to theprinciples described herein without following the example embodimentsand applications illustrated and described herein, and without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A height adjustable load carrier rack for avehicle comprising: a base member mountable on a vehicle; an upright legconfigured to be variously coupled to the base member at discretelocations along a length of the upright leg; and the upright leg havinga demarcated portion comprising a plurality of position labels, eachlabel signifying individual ones of a plurality of discrete positionsettings of the upright leg relative to the base member, and wherein thebase member is configured to alternately engage with each of theplurality of the discrete locations along the length of the upright legfor height-setting the load carrier rack in dependence uponuser-selection among the position labels of the demarcated portion ofthe upright leg.
 2. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 1,further comprising: a plurality of base members, each mountable on avehicle; a plurality of upright legs configured to be variously coupled,one each to a respective one of the plurality of base members, atdiscrete locations along a length of the respective upright leg.
 3. Theheight adjustable rack as recited in claim 2, wherein the plurality ofbase members number four and the plurality of upright legs number four.4. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 1, wherein eachposition label is alphabetic.
 5. The height adjustable rack as recitedin claim 1, wherein each position label is numeric.
 6. The heightadjustable rack as recited in claim 1, wherein each position label isalphanumeric.
 7. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 1,further comprising: each of the upright legs has a top end and thedemarcated portion of each upright leg is similarly positioned withrespect to the top end of the respective upright leg; and each top endof the upright legs is configured to engage with an upper support. 8.The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 1, wherein the pluralityof discrete locations along the length of the upright leg with which thebase member alternately engages are formed by a series of alternatingtroughs and ridges.
 9. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 8,wherein the series of alternating troughs and ridges that form theplurality of discrete locations along the length of the upright leg areformed in a strip of material attached to the upright leg.
 10. Theheight adjustable rack as recited in claim 8, wherein the series ofalternating troughs and ridges that form the plurality of discretelocations along the length of the upright leg are formed in a strip ofmaterial releasably coupled to the upright leg.
 11. The heightadjustable rack as recited in claim 8, wherein the series of alternatingtroughs and ridges that form the plurality of discrete locations alongthe length of the upright leg are formed in a strip of material coupledto the upright leg.
 12. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim11, wherein the plurality of position labels are demarcated on the stripof material coupled to the upright leg on which the series ofalternating troughs and ridges are formed.
 13. The height adjustablerack as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of demarcatedposition labels are printed on the strip of material coupled to theupright leg on which the series of alternating troughs and ridges areformed.
 14. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 12, whereinthe plurality of demarcated position labels are embossed upon the stripof material coupled to the upright leg on which the series ofalternating troughs and ridges are formed.
 15. The height adjustablerack as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of demarcatedposition labels are debossed into the strip of material coupled to theupright leg on which the series of alternating troughs and ridges areformed.
 16. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 12, whereinthe plurality of demarcated position labels are arranged in aconsecutive series spaced apart at the same distance as spacing betweena consecutive series of troughs of the series of alternating troughs andridges.
 17. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 16, whereineach of the plurality of demarcated position labels is positionedparallel to respective ones of the troughs of the series of alternatingtroughs and ridges relative to a longitudinal axis of the strip ofmaterial comprising the labels and troughs.
 18. The height adjustablerack as recited in claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of demarcatedposition labels is longitudinally offset from any one of the troughs ofthe series of alternating troughs and ridges relative to a longitudinalaxis of the strip of material comprising the labels and troughs.
 19. Theheight adjustable rack as recited in claim 9, wherein each of theupright legs is predominantly constructed from metal and the strip ofmaterial comprising the labels and troughs is predominantly constructedfrom plastic.
 20. The height adjustable rack as recited in claim 10,wherein each of the upright legs is predominantly constructed from metaland the strip of material comprising the labels and troughs ispredominantly constructed from plastic.